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Our homes are often our greatest asset. Home is where we relax, create memories with family, and spend time with friends. As a place filled with people and treasures that mean the most to us, your home should be safe and comfortable.
Homeowners can take several steps to protect their homes and families. Practicing general safety measures like regularly maintaining home appliances, installing and testing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and developing an emergency preparedness plan are just a few actions to take. Another important safety aspect is choosing the right energy sources for your home. Homeowners should choose energy sources that are proven to be safe, clean, and reliable, especially during unexpected events like power outages or extreme weather.
Propane provides peace of mind for homeowners through various safety measures. Propane is odorized, making it easy to identify, and tank monitoring systems keep track of fuel levels and alert you to potential issues. Homeowners can request a system inspection from their propane retailers to ensure their system’s integrity. From the operation of the energy source itself to its environmental impact, propane ensures homes remain safe and functional.
Why Homeowners Choose Propane
Propane is safe: As a safety precaution, a harmless odorant called mercaptan (which smells similar to rotten eggs or sulfur) is added to propane, giving it a distinct smell that makes leak detection easy. Many propane appliances are also designed with safety features such as automatic shut-off valves, flame failure sensors, and electronic ignition systems providing peace of mind for users. Even with these enhanced safety measures, homeowners can work with their local propane provider or preferred service company for inspections and maintenance checks to guarantee their propane appliances and tanks are being used properly, remain in good condition, and continue to operate safely. These protocols help prevent issues and make sure you are maximizing the benefits of propane in your home.
Propane is clean: Propane is a clean energy source that homeowners can rely on to provide a safe and healthy environment for families. While the U.S. grid electricity score varies based on the energy mix, propane consistently performs better in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In fact, propane appliances produce 52% less greenhouse gas emissions compared to electric equivalents.
Homeowners can also be rest assured that even in the unlikely event of a leak, propane will not harm the soil or groundwater. Propane is non-toxic and dissipates rather than being absorbed, posing no threat to drinking water or sensitive ecosystems. With propane, homeowners don’t have to worry about potential environmental impacts thanks to its clean properties, making it suitable for various indoor and outdoor applications.
Propane is reliable: While propane already provides exceptional safety during general operation, it also provides security during power outages. Propane-powered generators provide reliable back-up power, which means major, necessary appliances like furnaces, water heaters, cooking equipment, fireplaces, clothes dryers, and any medical equipment will continue to operate as usual.
Propane generators can handle an entire home’s energy needs for several days and nights, offering a dependable and long-lasting solution that keeps families safe during power outages and emergencies. And when propane appliances are already used throughout the home, a smaller propane generator unit is needed, saving homeowners even more.
Safely Operating Your Propane Appliances
Like any energy source, propane appliances require proper handling and maintenance. To ensure safe operation, follow these guidelines:
- Professional installation and maintenance: Rely on your propane professional to properly install your home’s propane-powered appliances and conduct ongoing maintenance to ensure everything is functioning correctly and safely.
- Recognize the smell of propane: Familiarize yourself with the strong odor added to propane and have a plan in case of a leak. Your first step should be to evacuate the area, then turn off the gas at the tank if safe to do so and call 911 for assistance.
- Follow manufacturer’s guidelines: Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when operating propane-powered appliances such as cooktops, water heaters, furnaces, generators, clothes dryers, and fireplaces.
Prioritizing home safety involves a combination of proactive measures and choosing the right energy source to keep your home running smoothly. Propane’s clean, safe, and reliable benefits continue to be unmatched by other energy source options, all while contributing to a more sustainable living environment.
For more propane safety tips and information, visit propane.com/safety.
